A quieter and easier alternative to Vinicunca, Palcoyo offers equally breathtaking views—perfect for acclimatizing before higher treks.
Several hours South of Cusco lies the outstanding rainbow mountain range. We head up Palcoyo for astounding views.
Nearby is the little known and rarely explored area known as “4 Lagunas”. It is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
On this two night camping expedition, you explore the largest of these lakes by easy to use kayak. Then hike to the rarely visited Wacrapucara Inca sacred site, high above the Apurimac canyon.
Perfect for families or individuals looking to get way off the tourist trail, little or no experience is required to become one of the very first to enjoy this extraordinarily beautiful slice of Peru.
Please note you do need to be suitably acclimatised before attempting this superb trip.
Did you know: We plant two trees per person, per day when you travel with us- making us the sustainable choice.
We depart Cusco for a 2.5 hour drive to the small village of Checacupe where we can stretch our legs with a visit to their colonial bride and church. We then take a dirt road high up into the Andes, well over 4,500m to our road head and start of our Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain hike.
The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain hike is a spectacular experience deep in the heart of the Vilcanota Mountain range. This option is an ideal way to enjoy the magical coloured mountains, on a relatively short trail with minimal incline and without the crowds.
On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped peaks of Ausangate, Mariposa, Nevado del Inca and the diversity of this mountainous region. At the highest point of the trail, explore the Bosque de Rocas (Rock Forest) with its unique formations.
Note you should have been at altitude for a minimum of 2 – 3 days before attempting this hike to be correctly acclimatised.
We enjoy our packed lunch with amazing views of the Andes and then descend to our vehicle for the drive to our base camp for the night on the shore of the stunning lake Pomacanchis. Here we set up camp and enjoy a spectacular sunset, 3-course dinner and stars like no other.
A quieter and easier alternative to Vinicunca, Palcoyo offers equally breathtaking views—perfect for acclimatizing before higher treks.
After full instructions in the art of kayaking, we kit up and set off across the crystalline waters of Lake Pomacanchis in search of adventure.
Sit-on-top kayaking is easy to learn and soon you’ll be paddling like an expert as you zoom through the water, spotting birds and with the occasional startled look of a local. The views on the lake are stunning, the experience of paddling your own kayak, high in the Andes, is truly inspiring.
We meet our transport again, get changed and head off for our next adventure. To trek to Waqrapukara. This is a short but breathtaking drive, higher into the Andes above the small village of Pitumarca. We will have a late lunch at the road head, before starting the trek.
Here you meet your muleteers and load up your trekking gear to start the hike to Waqrapukara, following an ancient Inca trail and passing small lakes with big views back to the Ausanagate mountains and even the mountains above the Sacred Valley.
A mainly flat trail brings you to your camp for the night, high above the Apurimac Canyon, next to Waqrapukara itself. The name means “Horned Fortress”, though it is thought to have been a ceremonial centre.
Whilst camp is being set up, you can explore this impressive site. While part of the site is Inca, its origins go back to the Chanca culture, famous for their bloodiness in battle. Captured enemies were sometimes hung up and skinned alive, and their skulls made into drinking vessels.
After a hearty dinner, you camp under the stars. There is virtually no light pollution here, making it ideal for seeing the Andean Milky Way.
Waqrapukara, meaning “Horned Fortress,” was likely both a ceremonial and defensive site — a hidden gem few travelers ever reach.
This morning you hike, a mainly flat and downhill trail, to the small village of Ccampi. Your path passes beneath huge rock walls, and has a real canyon lands feel to it and there are big views out across the mountains.
You arrive at Ccampi to meet your vehicle in time for lunch. Then you can relax for the drive back to Cusco.
The trail from Waqrapukara to Ccampi offers one of the most scenic exits in the Andes — a peaceful route rarely traveled by tourists.
Multisport Kitlist
Multisport Kitlist
